A dramatic twist has struck the build-up to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) Mega Auction, with Australia’s accomplished left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen pulling out just hours before the event. Her withdrawal, confirmed during the mandatory pre-auction briefing on November 26, has forced all five franchises to reassess their strategies for what was expected to be one of the most unpredictable auctions so far.
Jonassen, who represented the Delhi Capitals through the first three WPL seasons and played a significant role in their trio of runners-up finishes, leaves a sizable gap in the all-rounder category. Across 24 matches in the league, she compiled 295 runs at a strike rate of 138.49, highlighted by an unbeaten 61*, and claimed 33 wickets with best figures of 4/31. Although she continues to feature for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League 11, an ongoing shoulder issue that she has been managing for a considerable period has ultimately ruled her out of both the auction and the upcoming season.
Her absence immediately shifts the spotlight to other left-arm spin bowling all-rounders, a category where teams often seek balance and versatility. The likes of England’s Sophie Ecclestone and South Africa’s Chloe Tryon now stand as the most prominent overseas names, while India’s contingent includes N Sree Charani, Radha Yadav and Tanuja Kanwer, alongside several emerging talents such as Parunika Sisodia, Vaishavi Sharma, Mannat Kashyap and Shuchi Upadhayay.
The pre-auction briefing also provided updates on three Indian players whose fitness remains a concern. India opener Pratika Rawal, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and uncapped seamer VJ Joshitha are all managing injuries but continue to remain in the auction pool.
Pratika is currently recovering from an ankle injury she picked up during India’s World Cup league match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. Her upward trajectory over the past year in One Day Internationals (ODIs) made her one of the intriguing names in the auction, especially after she finished as the fourth-highest run-getter at the ODI World Cup 2025 with 308 runs from 6 matches, a campaign that culminated in India’s championship win.
Yastika Bhatia’s absence from full fitness is another significant concern for teams given the scarcity of dependable Indian wicket-keepers. She suffered a left-knee injury during the pre-tournament camp in Visakhapatnam and later underwent ACL surgery, ruling her out of the World Cup. In her three seasons with the Mumbai Indians, she had accumulated 506 runs with a best of 57.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old VJ Joshitha, who featured in four matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, is also on the injured list. Teams were informed that despite their presence in the auction pool, none of the three injured players can be counted towards the mandatory 15-member squad strength, and if picked, they cannot be replaced during the season.
Adding to the list of concerns is the update on India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, who is still regaining full fitness following shoulder surgery. Her name will still appear in the auction, offering franchises a chance to secure a proven performer who represented the Mumbai Indians in the first two seasons, including the title-winning 2023 campaign. Her WPL record includes 16 matches, 7 wickets and 126 runs.
As the countdown to the auction narrows, the unexpected withdrawal of Jess Jonassen and the wave of injury updates have reshaped the landscape in ways few would have predicted. With several teams now forced to rethink their combinations, the 2026 WPL mega auction promises to be even more dramatic than anticipated.
Loves all things female cricket